Student Voices

Emma Van Riet, '11

Meet Emma 

"I think the TLE program is very unique and a great opportunity for students and TLEs."

Hometown: Elmhurst, Ill.

Major: German

Whether she's casually conversing with one of her professors, or practicing her language skills with one of Carthage's Target Language Experts, Emma Van Riet has confidence that her teachers care about her education.

"I think the Modern Language Department's strength is the faculty's willingness to help students and their desire to get to know them," says Emma, who is majoring in German. She also likes the opportunity to learn from native German speakers.

"I think the TLE program is very unique and a great opportunity for students and TLEs," she says. "I find it easy to converse with them, because they are generally closer to my age than professors, and they have similar interests and curiosities as I do. It is comforting to talk to a graduate student who is from the country that I am studying about."

This spring, she will study abroad in Heidelberg, Germany.

"I am very excited," she says. "I’ve always had an interest in other languages, ever since I was little. I began studying German in high school because I wanted to be one of the few students who studied something other than Spanish, French or Italian. I eventually realized that I love the challenge of thinking and speaking in a language other than English. It is fun."

Career goal: "To serve others while use my German-speaking skills. I think it would be wonderful to incorporate my foreign language skills into everyday life, to further others’ awareness of German culture."

Favorite professor: "Naturally, Professor Baer is my favorite! His style of teaching is very effective and fun. It is important to understand the professor on an academic level, as well as a personal level. I think it builds confidence when you can casually chat with your professors outside of the classroom without feeling awkward."

Favorite class: "My favorite class at Carthage has been Christian Responses to Nazism and the Nazi State. It was very, very interesting, because it addressed religion as well as German history."

Toughest class: "Meteorology, because it was a lot more extensive than I thought. Although it did fulfill my non-lab science credit, I'm glad it's over!"

Opportunities at Carthage: "At Carthage I have had the opportunity to meet all kinds of students and staff through Residence Life (I was an RA and Orientation Leader), working on campus (in the library), pledging Greek Life and taking an assortment of different classes."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "Some of my favorite moments at Carthage have just been everyday activities with friends. Just about everybody knows each other on campus, which is great. No matter what kinds of events are happening on campus, it is guaranteed to be a fun time, because we are a close community."

Favorite spot on campus: "The library basement. You can get a lot of work done down there."

Biggest surprise: "I can’t believe how far I have come since my freshman year. Time flies!"

Student Voices

Chinese

Jessica Fisher, '13

"I knew that if I knew Chinese, I would have a better chance of getting jobs because it is such a worldwide language."
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Vanessa Valentine, '13

"The biggest surprise to me is how much I have learned — not only academically, but also personally. I am a better person now than I was two years ago."
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John Gutt-Jankowski, '14

By studying both Chinese and Spanish, John said that when he graduates, he will have learned three of the most important languages in the world.
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Valerie Hathaway, '13

"The Chinese program is filled with professors who enjoy teaching their students the language."
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French

Jesse Daniel, '12

"I never realized how many doors are opened through studying abroad. Living in another culture, you become part of it, and are no longer a tourist."
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Emily Kolesar, '12

By studying both French and English, Emily has been able to mature as a writer.
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Diane Hahn, '14

"The Modern Language Department truly has made my learning experience an enjoyable one, and I can't image going to any other college because I'm afraid I'll be disappointed in this aspect."
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German

Anna Treudt, '13

"Both in German and archaeology the willingness to learn is what separates you from the others. That might sound uninteresting and a little daunting, but when you find something you like, you enjoy it."
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Karin Wirth, '13

Karin Wirth was raised with a rich German Heritage, which led to her love of the language. She is also a DAAD scholarship winner and a tutor for the Modern Languages department.
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David Rosenberg, '12

"The openness of the professors and their willingness to help struggling students" are among the Modern Language Department's biggest strengths.
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Ronald Harris, '12

Ronald is pursuing a minor in German, after studying the language since kindergarten.
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Japanese

Jennifer Weiss, '14

"Our businesses are becoming more global by the day, and Japan is one of the top countries America does business with. I want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to doing business with Japan."
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Spanish

Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

"It's difficult to really learn a language if you don't actually use it. Studying abroad is the only way to really immerse yourself in it entirely."
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Andrea Winbigler, '13

"Carthage really became my second home and all the people here have become my second family."
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Read student voices from graduated students.

Target Language Experts

At Carthage, introductory language courses are taught by native speakers. Read more ...

Student Voices

William Viarnes, '10, started planning his semester abroad a semester in advance. Read more.